The Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention (EGAPP) Working Group released the first recommendation statement on the use of genetic tests in clinical practice. In this statement, the Working Group addresses the use of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) testing in adults with depression: http://www.egappreviews.org

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is accepting applications for its Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Implementation Funds program to support the initial or pilot stage of development or implementation of a community-based child health initiative. The program will award up to $12,000 over six months in two equal installments. Eligible applicants are pediatricians from the United States and its territories who are AAP members and can document past planning initiatives and needs assessments and a realistic, achievable evaluation system for the program. The WSGSC is willing to collaborate with any AAP members who are interested in applying for a CATCH grant. Deadline: Jan. 31, 2008. For more information, go to: http://www.aap.org/catch/implementgrants.htm

The CDCs National Office of Public Health Genomics has announced a funding opportunity entitled “Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention: Translation Research.” Potential projects should conduct research that will accelerate the translation of genomics into public health practice. Award amounts range from $200,000 to $350,000. The application deadline is February 27, 2008. For more information, go to:http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=HLHJnKsTGk
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On November 19, 2007, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) dedicated over $417 million to the construction of 69 statewide or regional broadband telehealth networks in 42 states and three U.S. territories under the Rural Health Care Pilot Program (RHCPP). The networks will deliver services efficiently, reduce costs and travel time for consumers, decrease medical errors, and enable health care providers to share critical information. In addition, participants are required to implement, where feasible, health information technology standards as set forth by HHS. Five of the 69 funded networks are located within the western states and territory. These funded networks are: the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, the Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts, the California Telehealth Network, the Oregon Health Network, and the Pacific Broadband Telehealth Demonstration Project. For more information, go to http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/rural/rhcp.html

On January 28, 2008, the Center for Telehealth and E-Health Law (CTeL) will be presenting a Brown Bag lecture on Credentialing and Privileging. Registration is free, and participation is possible through the Internet. CTeL will be hosting a Brown Bag lecture once a month on a topic related to telehealth. For more information, visit www.ctel.org

On February 2-6, 2008, the Children’s Hospital of Denver will be hosting a week-long educational series for health care professionals new to the field of inborn errors of metabolism. Registration is $475, and the registration deadline is January 1, 2008. See the attached flier for more details.

Welcome to the new blog for the Western States Genetic Services Collaborative. This blog is for the collaborators to post any activities or information about your state activities that may be of interest to others. We will also be posting information about the on-going activities for the Western States Genetic Services Collaborative.